Significant Ireland changes likely for Six Nations clash with Italy

Change is highly likely for Saturday's match against Italy, including on the bench, it’s a question of how much

Neither Jamison Gibson-Park nor Sam Prendergast will feel safe about their starting spots following the opening Six Nations defeat to France. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Ronan O’Gara doesn’t be far off. It was only Monday when the La Rochelle head coach, poring back over Ireland’s defeat to France in their Six Nations opener, suggested that Andy Farrell might have thinking do over anything up to eight positions before the Italy game.

Whatever the final number, it looks like significant change is on the way when the Ireland brains trust names its XV and 23 for their first home tie of the Championship on Thursday afternoon with changes being mooted in every line of the pitch.